Depression assessments

Depression measures turn symptom severity into a number you can track across treatment. These are the most widely used validated tools, with scoring you can auto-apply and trend in Theracharts.

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Depression measures

PHQ-9The most widely used depression measure — 9 items mapped to DSM-5 criteria, scored 0–27 with a ≥10 screen-positive cutoff.DASS-21Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales — a depression subscale alongside anxiety and stress in one brief instrument.

Score and track them automatically

Theracharts auto-scores each measure, applies the validated severity bands, flags reliable change, and charts the trend over the course of treatment. Free on every plan, up to 10 clients.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most common depression assessment?

The PHQ-9 is the most widely used validated depression measure in primary care and outpatient mental health. It maps directly to DSM-5 criteria and is brief enough to repeat at every session.

How often should depression scores be measured?

Many measurement-based-care protocols administer a depression measure like the PHQ-9 at the start of each session or every two weeks, so the trend is visible early enough to adjust treatment.

These pages are educational. Validated assessments are screening and monitoring tools, not diagnoses — interpret every score in clinical context. If a client is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US).